Below, you’ll find must-know information about vitiligo.
Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition. It is characterized by patches of skin that lose their pigmentation, resulting in lighter areas of skin compared to the surrounding skin.
This loss of pigmentation can occur anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, arms, legs, and trunk. The natural color of the skin has disappeared from the affected areas of the body.
This autoimmune condition affects approximately 2.8 million Americans. (1)
It is also worth noting that people with Addison disease, anemia, type-1 diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and thyroid disease are at risk.
If vitiligo is left untreated, the white patches on the skin could spread to other parts of the body. Although these patches are not harmful to the body, they could cause some emotional distress to the individual.
In severe cases, vitiligo can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being since the condition can be very obvious on the surface.
Treatments And Care
The treatment options for vitiligo can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the affected skin.
While some treatments may be effective for vitiligo in general, others may be better suited for specific parts of the body. For example, treatments for vitiligo on the face or around the eyes may require special care to avoid irritating the delicate skin in these areas.
Some treatments that are effective for vitiligo on other parts of the body may not be recommended for the face or around the eyes. For example, the use of topical corticosteroids or other strong medications may be limited around the eyes due to the potential for adverse effects.
In some cases, surgical treatments like skin grafting or melanocyte transplantation may be considered for areas like the hands or feet, but may not be appropriate for the face or around the eyes.
Areas of the body that are more exposed to sunlight may require different treatment approaches compared to areas that are often covered by clothing.
Since the affected areas of the skin are more sensitive, they are more susceptible to skin damage. The depigmented patches of skin have less protection and are therefore more susceptible to the risks brought about by harmful UV rays.
Hence, it is important to protect the affected areas with clothing and sunscreen to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Treating vitiligo is, no doubt, important not just for cosmetic reasons but also for the overall well-being and quality of life of those affected by the condition.
Knowing the various vitiligo treatments can help manage the condition. Below are vitiligo treatments and care options worth knowing.
10. Light Therapy
This particular treatment plan involves two to three sessions per week. It may take anywhere from 1 to 3 months to observe any improvement.
Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy has been demonstrated to halt or slow down the progression of vitiligo that is active. The combination of this therapy with calcineurin or corticosteroid inhibitors may lead to more favorable results.
9. Combined Psoralen And Light Therapy
This combination treatment therapy is an option to consider. Combining psoralen, a substance derived from plants, with light therapy, can help restore color to depigmented patches.
The patient either ingests psoralen orally or applies it to the affected skin. It is then followed by exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Although this method has proven to be effective, it can be challenging to administer.
8. Sun Protection
Sun protection can play a role in treating vitiligo. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can worsen the appearance of vitiligo by causing further depigmentation and uneven skin tone. By protecting the skin from the sun, further depigmentation can be prevented.
Sun protection measures can include wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, as well as using a high-SPF sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays are also practical ways to seek sun protection.
It’s important to seek shade during peak sun hours, which are typically from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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